After a valiant 12-year battle against cancer, Rhonda Evangeline Downey went to rest in the arms of Jesus on June 4, 2020.

Rhonda, the loving wife of 32 years to Michael E. Downey, was a 27-year resident of Humboldt County. Born in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 30, 1961, she was 58 years old. She leaves a legacy of unconditional love, grace, courage and humor.

She was known by all as a kind and generous person who always had a smile and a contagious laugh. She loved playing dominoes, cards, and poker and could bluff even the best of them. She loved trips to Mexico and to the ocean with her husband. She especially loved spending time at the Van Duzen in her favorite swimming holes and fishing spots where she and her family passed many summer days.

She is preceded in death by in-laws, Dan and Glenda Downey, her cousin, Susan Mounts, and her loving grandparents, Frona Tomczak, and Roberto and Elvira Gonzales, who all wait with open arms to welcome her home. She is survived by 11 brothers and sisters, many of whom consider her their second mom and owe her a debt of gratitude for the love she so freely shared. She is also survived by her parents, Ron Palmer and Ada May Coleman, along with nine aunts and uncles and their spouses. She regrettably leaves behind more than 35 nieces and nephews that were a daily source of pride and joy, especially Tommy Golden, who will dearly miss her and be missed by her.

Rhonda had a love for life, family, and adventure and leaves everyone with an eternal hug. She will be waiting with open arms and an open heart, watching over us until we are all together again.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Rhonda Downey’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.